Course Description:

This course examines the many labels used to describe language situations, for example, bilingualism, multilingualism, diglossia, etc. It discusses issues influencing these language situations such as language variation, attitudes toward languages, the function of particular languages in a speech community, maintenance of language varieties, the need for a global language and language planning. The entire course is supported by references to case studies from language situations around the world.

At the end of the course, participants should be able to:

• Understand the role of the Sociology of Language in Linguistics and how it relates to other areas of linguistics.
• Explain the concept of the “Speech Community” and illustrate how this concept can be applied to different social units.
• Define and use the concepts concerning speech communities and language varieties.
• Understand and describe the range of functions that particular languages can perform in a speech community.
• Understand the labels used to describe language situations, especially bilingual, multilingual, diglossia, continuum and be able to apply this knowledge to analyze cases given.
• Explain and illustrate factors which can influence language maintenance, endangerment and language change.
• Examine the relevance of Language Planning to language situations.
• Understand and describe some of the basic approaches to attitudinal research and their significance.

1. Seminar/Tutorial Attendance - is compulsory. If you miss more than four tutorials, you may be dropped from the course without notice (disbarred from taking the end of semester examinations). If you must miss a tutorial, please consult with your tutor or make arrangements to attend another tutorial group for that week.

Seminar/Tutorial participation - preparation for and participation in seminars required. Group or individual tasks will be assigned for preparation. Remember Tutorial Attendance, Participation and Presentation marked out of 5%.

2. Regular attendance at lectures

3. Cell phones are disruptive. Turn off your cell phones while in class. If you turn to vibrate and feel you absolutely must take a call, please leave the lecture/seminar room. Failure to comply may result in the student being asked to leave the lecture or tutorial room.

4. Students are expected to do at least 4 hours per week of out-of-class preparation.

Course Description:

This course examines the many labels used to describe language situations, for example, bilingualism, multilingualism, diglossia, etc. It discusses issues influencing these language situations such as language variation, attitudes toward languages, the function of particular languages in a speech community, maintenance of language varieties, the need for a global language and language planning. The entire course is supported by references to case studies from language situations around the world.

Course Assessment Information:

Tutorial Attendance, Presentation & Participation - 5%
Incourse Test 35%
Final Exam - 60%